netkeiba original AI's top three picks for G2 Copa Republica Argentina at Tokyo Racecourse
Wednesday, 05 November, 2025 19:14
Born This Way (Photo: Yuki Shimono)
In this article, we present three key contenders recommended by netkeiba's original AI model.
This weekend's flat graded stakes feature four races, Saturday's G2 Keio Hai Nisai Stakes, and Sunday's G2 Copa Republica Argentina and G3 Miyako Stakes. Here, we focus on the G2 Copa Republica Argentina at Tokyo Racecourse.
Born This Way has raced seven times at Tokyo Racecourse, recording two wins and two third-place finishes, with solid form overall. In the three unplaced runs, clear excuses can be identified. In the 2022 Motosuko Tokubetsu (2 Win Class), his temperament was reportedly difficult even before the race, likely affecting his performance. In the 2023 Murasaki Sho (3 Win Class), he sat second early but could not overcome a pace that favoured closers, finishing eighth. In the 2023 Rokusho Stakes (3 Win Class), he struggled in poor track conditions.
In his most recent start, the Listed October Stakes, he came from off the pace to finish third. Previously, he had raced mainly from forward or mid-pack positions, but the new strategy of coming from further back worked well. While he did not win, the performance suggested added tactical versatility. Moreover, the two horses that finished ahead of him carried less weight, showing that Born This Way still demonstrated solid ability. While this G2 field is tougher, he is by Heart's Cry, a sire known for stamina and improvement over longer distances. Given his past success at Tokyo, he could easily contend depending on the handicap.
Wide Emperor has not made much impact in his last three starts since moving up to open class, but both the 10th-place finish in the Listen Metropolitan Stakes and the 7th-place finish in the G2 All Comers came after layoffs. He tends to perform below his best when given long breaks, so those results can be overlooked. In his latest outing, the October Stakes, he finished fourth, likely hindered by the 2000m distance. Three of his four career wins have come at 2200m or further, indicating that he is better suited to staying trips. The step up to 2500m this time looks ideal.
He has also consistently posted strong finishing sectionals, ranking among the top three in several recent runs, which bodes well for another race at Tokyo. Though facing G2 company, the handicap conditions should give him a chance, especially if he carries a light weight. With a race shape that suits closers, Wide Emperor could prove a dangerous contender against stronger rivals.
Pradaria is a proven performer with three G2 victories to his name. While he has not delivered notable results since winning the G2 Kyoto Kinen in 2024, those runs came either against G1-level opposition or when returning from layoffs. In his latest run, the G2 Kyoto Daishoten, connections had expressed concern about his training form beforehand, and since he tends to run to his morning trackwork, his 15th-place finish can be forgiven.
This time, he has been kept in training rather than sent to the farm, and reports after his final serious workout suggest strong improvement. Cooler autumn weather has also contributed positively to his condition. Although this will be his first start at Tokyo in some time, he has previously won the 2022 G2 Aoba Sho there, so course suitability is not a concern. With his proven class and improved preparation, Pradaria is capable of a significant rebound performance if he runs to his full potential.
This weekend's flat graded stakes feature four races, Saturday's G2 Keio Hai Nisai Stakes, and Sunday's G2 Copa Republica Argentina and G3 Miyako Stakes. Here, we focus on the G2 Copa Republica Argentina at Tokyo Racecourse.
Born This Way has raced seven times at Tokyo Racecourse, recording two wins and two third-place finishes, with solid form overall. In the three unplaced runs, clear excuses can be identified. In the 2022 Motosuko Tokubetsu (2 Win Class), his temperament was reportedly difficult even before the race, likely affecting his performance. In the 2023 Murasaki Sho (3 Win Class), he sat second early but could not overcome a pace that favoured closers, finishing eighth. In the 2023 Rokusho Stakes (3 Win Class), he struggled in poor track conditions.
In his most recent start, the Listed October Stakes, he came from off the pace to finish third. Previously, he had raced mainly from forward or mid-pack positions, but the new strategy of coming from further back worked well. While he did not win, the performance suggested added tactical versatility. Moreover, the two horses that finished ahead of him carried less weight, showing that Born This Way still demonstrated solid ability. While this G2 field is tougher, he is by Heart's Cry, a sire known for stamina and improvement over longer distances. Given his past success at Tokyo, he could easily contend depending on the handicap.
Wide Emperor has not made much impact in his last three starts since moving up to open class, but both the 10th-place finish in the Listen Metropolitan Stakes and the 7th-place finish in the G2 All Comers came after layoffs. He tends to perform below his best when given long breaks, so those results can be overlooked. In his latest outing, the October Stakes, he finished fourth, likely hindered by the 2000m distance. Three of his four career wins have come at 2200m or further, indicating that he is better suited to staying trips. The step up to 2500m this time looks ideal.
He has also consistently posted strong finishing sectionals, ranking among the top three in several recent runs, which bodes well for another race at Tokyo. Though facing G2 company, the handicap conditions should give him a chance, especially if he carries a light weight. With a race shape that suits closers, Wide Emperor could prove a dangerous contender against stronger rivals.
Pradaria is a proven performer with three G2 victories to his name. While he has not delivered notable results since winning the G2 Kyoto Kinen in 2024, those runs came either against G1-level opposition or when returning from layoffs. In his latest run, the G2 Kyoto Daishoten, connections had expressed concern about his training form beforehand, and since he tends to run to his morning trackwork, his 15th-place finish can be forgiven.
This time, he has been kept in training rather than sent to the farm, and reports after his final serious workout suggest strong improvement. Cooler autumn weather has also contributed positively to his condition. Although this will be his first start at Tokyo in some time, he has previously won the 2022 G2 Aoba Sho there, so course suitability is not a concern. With his proven class and improved preparation, Pradaria is capable of a significant rebound performance if he runs to his full potential.